Victron Blue Smart Charger Power Supply Mode Guide

Using a Victron Blue Smart charger power supply setup is handy when you need steady 12V on the bench, want to run a van’s DC loads from shore power during a build, or need to power a system while the battery is out. Victron supports this officially. The Blue Smart IP65 manual describes a dedicated power supply mode, and the IP67 datasheet lists “can be used as power supply: yes.” Here’s how it works.

Electrical work can be dangerous: follow the manual, fuse and size every cable correctly, and use a licensed electrician for anything connected to household wiring.

A Blue Smart charger setup video.

What Victron Blue Smart Charger Power Supply Mode Does

The Blue Smart IP65 manual says the charger range “is also suitable for use as a DC power supply, to directly power loads with or without a battery connected.” With power supply mode on, the charger turns off its charge logic: no bulk, absorption, float or storage stages. Instead it holds a constant DC voltage that you set. You can also turn on low-current mode.

How to Turn It On (Blue Smart IP65)

Plug the charger into an AC outlet. The TEST LED blinks while the charger checks the battery, for up to 2 minutes.
Open VictronConnect and select the charger in the Device list.
Open settings, then change Function from Charger to Power supply.
Confirm. The charge-mode LEDs show that power supply mode is active.
Set the output voltage, and turn low-current mode on or off.

To switch back, repeat the steps and select Charger.

Current Limits (Blue Smart IP65 120V)

Model	Max current
12/5	5A
12/7	7A
12/10	10A
12/15	15A
12/25	25A

Source: Victron Blue Smart IP65 Charger 120V manual. Input: 100–130V AC.

Keep the total load below the charger’s rating. A fridge, LED lights and a water pump together can go over 15A when they all start at once.

Good Uses

Bench testing Victron gear, lights and pumps.
Van builds that run the 12V system before the house battery is installed.
Keeping a system powered while you swap batteries.

Things to Avoid

Leaving it in power supply mode with a battery connected long term. Power supply mode turns off the charge logic, so switch back to Charger mode for normal charging.
Big inverters. A 25A charger can’t run an inverter load, and inrush current may trip the charger.
Wiring without a fuse. Fuse the positive lead to your cable size.

Other Blue Smart Models

The Blue Smart IP67 datasheet lists power supply use as supported. The Blue Smart IP22 and Smart IP43 chargers have similar modes; see their manuals for the exact steps.

Full specifications for the Blue Smart IP65 Charger are on Victron’s product page.

Example: Running a Van’s 12V System During a Build

You’ve wired the fuse box, lights, roof fan and water pump, but the house battery hasn’t arrived. A Blue Smart IP65 12/15 in power supply mode, connected to the fuse box’s main positive and negative through a fuse, lets you test every circuit from a garage outlet.

Load	Typical current (estimate)
LED lights (6 pucks)	1–2A
Roof fan (medium speed)	2–3A
Water pump (running)	4–6A
USB chargers	1–2A
Total	About 8–13A

Example values. That fits the 15A model. Add a compressor fridge and you may want the 12/25.

Example: Bench Testing Victron Gear

On a workbench, the charger can power a SmartShunt, a Cerbo GX or a small MPPT’s battery side while you configure it in VictronConnect before installation. Set the output to a normal battery voltage, such as 13.2V for a 12V lithium system (example value), and keep the leads fused.

Choosing an Output Voltage

Purpose	Example setting
Running 12V loads	12.6–13.2V
Matching a lithium system’s resting voltage	About 13.2–13.4V
Matching a lead-acid system’s resting voltage	About 12.7–13.0V

Example values; check your loads’ and battery’s specifications. A steady, moderate voltage keeps lights and pumps happy without pushing a connected battery toward full charge.

Low-Current Mode

Low-current mode limits the output current, which is useful for small loads and for bench work where you want extra protection for the circuit you’re testing. Turn it off when you need the charger’s full rating.

Choosing a Model for Power Supply Use

12/5 or 12/7: bench testing and small electronics.
12/10 or 12/15: van builds with lights, a fan and a pump.
12/25: larger DC systems, including a compressor fridge.

For bigger DC loads, Victron’s Skylla and Phoenix Smart chargers have higher current ratings.

Wiring Tips

Use cable sized for the charger’s maximum current, and keep runs short.
Fit an inline fuse on the positive lead, close to the charger.
Connect to the fuse box or busbar, not directly to a single load.
Check the voltage in VictronConnect before switching loads on.

Switching Back to Charger Mode

When the battery is installed, open VictronConnect, change Function back to Charger, and select the battery type, such as lithium or AGM. The charger then runs its full charge stages again, and you can leave it connected for maintenance charging.

FAQ

Can a Victron Blue Smart charger power supply run loads without a battery?

Yes. Victron’s manual says it works with or without a battery connected.

What voltage can I set?

You set it in VictronConnect. Check the manual for the allowed range on your model.

Is the output voltage stable enough for electronics?

Power supply mode holds a constant set voltage, which suits typical 12V lights, pumps and electronics. Keep the total load within the charger’s rating.

Can I leave the charger connected after the battery is installed?

Yes, but switch it back to Charger mode so the battery gets its normal charge stages.

Does power supply mode work on the Blue Smart IP67?

Yes. Victron’s IP67 datasheet lists “can be used as power supply: yes.”

Sources: Victron Blue Smart IP65 Charger 120V manual (section 8.3, Power supply mode; technical specifications); Blue Smart IP67 Charger 120VAC datasheet, victronenergy.com, accessed Oct 2026.